We know that you highly esteem the kind of learning taught in colleges, and that the maintenance of our young men, while with you, would be very expensive to you. We are convinced, therefore, that you mean to do us good by your proposal, and we thank you heartily. But you, who are wise, must know that different nations have different conceptions of things, and you will therefore not take it amiss if our ideas of this kind of education happen not to be the same with yours. We have had some experience of it. Several of our young people were formerly brought up at the colleges of the Northern Provinces. They were instructed in all your sciences, but, when they came back to us, they were bad runners, ignorant of every means of living in the woods, unable to bear either cold or hunger, knew neither how to build a cabin, take a deer, nor kill an enemy, spoke our language imperfectly, were therefore neither fit for hunters, warriors, nor counsellors; they were totally good for nothing. We are, however, not the less obliged by your kind offer, though we decline accepting it, and, to show our grateful sense of it, if the gentlemen of Virginia will send us a dozen of their sons, we will take care of their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them.
~Canasatego, chief of the Iroquois (said during 1744 Treaty Negotiations)
(Thanks to cousin Kevin Lafferty for this one.)
"Do not mistake cynicism for intelligence. Intelligent cynics are as hard to find as intelligent believers." - Joe Amon
"As much as people see me as a dreamer, because I want to make it as a performer, whether it be an actor or a singer, or I want to follow a wacky dream... I am very much a realist. People tend to think I'm carefree about what I do. The fact is that with every decision I make, I have thought about the consequences from every angle. I know almost every conceivable way my plans or dreams could fail. That way, I make a decision in my heart on whether I could live with the disappointment of failing, or falling on my face, or totally making a fool of myself. Because if I can live with the consequences of failing, then taking the chance at succeeding seems that much more reasonable." -Adam Aylward
"I really hate that person... I'm going to have to get to know that person" -Abraham Lincoln
"Expect the worst and hope for the best... that way you're never disappointed." -Chris Davidson
"Man has but three events in his life: to be born; to live; and to die. He is unconscious at birth, he suffers in death, and unfortunately, sometimes he forgets to live." -unknown.
"Insanity is truly a matter of perspective. It all starts with one person pointing to the other saying, "You're insane!" The other will say, "No. You're insane!" It's we as a society, who generally sides with one of them. Generally we side with the guy with the PhD." -Adam Aylward
Try this exercise.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
(Thanks to Jesse Streeper for this email)
